Kolkata, May 20: The scenario could have been different, but the defending champions are fighting to defend their Indian Super League title. After starting the 2025–26 campaign in rhythm and topping the league table, Mohun Bagan SG dropped points in several matches, including the crucial Kolkata Derby in their previous game. As a result, the final match against Sporting Club Delhi has become a do-or-die encounter, though their fate still depends on other results.

From 7:30 PM tomorrow at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Mohun Bagan Super Giant will host Sporting Club Delhi in a must-win clash, which will also be their final fixture of the Indian Super League campaign.

Tomorrow, there are four important matches, which are the final fixtures of the Indian Super League title race. Among all eight teams, East Bengal FC have the advantage due to their superior goal difference and position at the top of the table. In that situation, Mohun Bagan Super Giant needs a must-win result and will also have to keep an eye on the other teams dropping points.

Meanwhile, at this crucial moment, Aupia Ralte, the midfield clutch player of Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who returned after a few matches and made an impactful appearance in the derby, will again be unavailable tomorrow due to injury concerns. Meanwhile, there is still uncertainty over the availability of Jason Cummings. In defence, Alberto Rodriguez will also miss the match due to suspension from card issues.

Sporting Club Delhi are 11th on the points table with 12 points. The debutants have shown a mixed footballing display throughout the season, and Tomasz Tuchel’s team has been really unpredictable. Although the club are debutants, the squad is well balanced with both Indian and foreign players, while the coach is also well known in the league.

Sergio Lobera sounded realistic but still hopeful. He openly admitted that his team is not in the position they wanted to be in at this stage of the season, which reflects the pressure around the title race. But at the same time, he kept repeating the word “believe,” showing that the dressing room has not given up yet.

His main focus was on belief and winning the final game first instead of thinking too much about other results. It felt like a coach trying to keep his players confident and motivated before a crucial match.

Sergio Lobera made it clear that he is not taking Sporting Club Delhi lightly despite their position on the table. He repeatedly praised the way they play football, especially their bravery on the ball and their attacking approach. What stood out from his words is that he respects teams that try to play proper football instead of just sitting back defensively.

Even though Mohun Bagan SG are under pressure to win, he made it clear that thinking this will be an easy game would be a “big mistake.” His focus was more on keeping the team serious, disciplined, and fully concentrated rather than getting carried away by the title pressure or the opponent’s league position.

Mohun Bagan SG Coache’s Words:

Team still fighting for the title!

“Believe it. Because finally we need to believe.We are not, to be honest, we are not in the scenario we wanted to be. But there are options, everyone knows in the team what we need to do and for sure we need to plan accordingly to get our target. We are working on that”.

The title race may no longer be fully in their hands, but for Mohun Bagan Super Giant the task remains simple, win the final game and keep believing till the very end. But against a brave and unpredictable Sporting Club Delhi side, nothing will come easy on the final night.